Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Love The Van! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By faceless1 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  It rides really smooth and quietly. We love the additional features and the flexibility. Love the van!

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  awesome - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By tbird lover - July 4 - 2:00 am

  great styling and mixture of sport and luxury, Unbelievable attention this car gets. It is a testimonial to the incredible job Ford did in recreating teh t-bird legacy

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  CAR STINKS - 1995 Ford Aspire
  By DSS70 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  AC DIED AT 32K SPEEDOMETER BROKE SHORTLY AFTER. REPLACED EXHUST FUEL PUMP IGNITION SPEEDOMETER ALL BEFORE 90K HAVE SUFFERED 5 YRS NO AC BECAUSE THEY DIDNT STAND BEHIND THE CAR. MPG 35cty/40hwy MUCH LOWER THAN EXPECTED AFTER 5 Yrs WITH METRO, A MUCH BETTER CAR.

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  Ford Taurus DEATHTRAP - 2005 Ford Taurus
  By Robert D. Barry - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Recuring problem with acceleration, intermittant. Engin will rev up to about 1500 RPM after about 1 second, then it will stay there for 1.5 to 2 seconds, them increase. First occurance 73 miles after purchase, Has been back to dealer three times, for this problem. Recurring problem, turn signals. If signaling for a right turn, and the raod curves to the left, or signaling for a left turn, and the road curves to the right, turn signal cancelles. Driver must use one hand to hold turn signal on. Recall. Brake lights may not come on. Or the Brake lights may always be on. Recall. Air filter may burst into flames. The service department, DID NOT REPAIR

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  Ford F-150 - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Trux369 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Ever since we have gotten the truck we have brought it in for 2 diferent services. Oil change and tire rotaion. We have had 0 problems with this truck. we got it almost brand new and still runs like it did when we first got it. Only thing i have against it right now is the power streering squeaks whenever i turn but it will be fixed. Thats my only problem after 7 years of ownership.

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  Good Enough - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Fyffe7 - July 3 - 1:30 pm

  Wife picked out Escape Hybrid for the gas mileage and the ease of putting a baby seat in the back. Own the Ford for 3 months. Overall the Escape Hybrid is a decent SUV that is fun to drive. We get 30 mpg which is mostly hiway driving. It has become a game to see how much gas mileage we get. Lights are fun to stop at, knowing that you are not using gas. Escape Hybrid accelerates well with the 4 cylinder engine. CVT transmission takes a little bit of driving to get use to. Escape won over the Toyota- did not like the look of spare tire on back. Honda – overprice, overrated and less gas mileage.

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  FORD EXPLORER SPORTRAK - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By STEVE RUGGERI - July 3 - 10:00 am

  DOES WHAT I BOUGHT IT TO DO, CARRY MY WIFE AND 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND OUR THREE DIRT BIKES IN COMFORT AND WITHOUT USING AND STORING A TRAILER

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  Do not buy this car!@!@! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By v8 explorer - July 3 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Ford 2 years ago and we had to replace the front bushings,the cluster(odometer) and the back seat window because it went bad. My car is back in the shop because the transmission is slipping. Of course there is nothing to do about the transmission they say and that I need to spend 160.00 to change the filter and fluid. It isnt due for that. So I guess I will wait until it totally breaks down. I would never buy this car. I am going back to my Tahoe when the 100,000 mile warranty runs out. I have to keep it until then.

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  ZTS Rocks - 2004 Ford Focus
  By timmccra - July 3 - 10:00 am

  More zing than the toyota corolla and honda civic more environmentally friendly than all the non hybrid vehicles, smooth ride interior design is nice and functional, standard radio includes a cd and mp3 player by blaupunkt that rocks and its "American" unbeleivable!! Till you drive it !

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  Buy a Mazda 3 instead - 2016 Ford Focus
  By D P - July 3 - 6:22 am

  Transmission is awful. Grinding and shaking is called normal by Ford service. Noisy pumps are also considered normal. I tried to save a few bucks and buy American but this will keep me from ever buying a Ford again. Comfort on long trips is lacking as well. Parking brake is positioned just in the wrong place and digs into right leg.